Love Where You Are – Week 2

During the “Love Where You Are” sermon series, we encourage you to take a look at the way Jesus loved those around him. Below you’ll find Bible passages for you to read as well as questions you can work through on your own, with family, or with friends.

In this passage, Jesus’ “neighbor” was a woman in a messy situation. A series of poor choices had left her an outcast. She had been looking for love and acceptance her whole life, but it always eluded her. Notice she was familiar with a few spiritual matters, but she was still looking for answers.

Jesus engaged her in a simple conversation by simply asking for a drink of water. He began by listening to what was on her mind and in her heart. He didn’t condemn her but rather helped her reflect on her life. He used analogies to make the transition from the ordinary to the spiritual.

Notice Jesus first listened to the woman. Being a good listener is an essential trait. What makes someone a good listener?

When you listen, do you listen to understand or listen to respond? What is the difference?

What was the result of their conversation?

All of us know someone who seems destined to make poor choices in their life. They might sincerely want a better life, but somehow they never seem to find what they are looking for.

Why do you think people seem to get stuck in making poor decisions?

What is the typical reaction or attitude someone develops after a prolonged period of disappointment?

Think about a bad decision you made in the past. What did you learn from that mistake? Was there someone who helped you? What did they say or do that helped you?

Action

This week, make sure you know your neighbors’ names. If you have the magnet we handed out this weekend, we would encourage you to use that to write your neighbors’ names down. (There are extra magnets available at the Welcome Center if you didn’t get one.) Continue to pray for your neighbors each day.